An open letter to Newt Gingrich

Mr. Gingrich,
I saw in the news today your remarks at Cornerstone Church, where you characterized secular thought as a grave threat to our nation. With all due respect, sir, I cannot disagree more.

I served our country as an intelligence officer for nearly three years. I saw what our enemies are willing and able to do. I also saw the consequences of decades of short-sighted policies that were only concerned with what was expedient, at the cost of our long-term interests. I understand the threat of Islamic extremism better than most.

I continue to serve our country today as an engineer on the International Space Station program, helping foster the utilization of our only on-orbit National Laboratory by commercial developers. I know the commercialization of space is important to you and I lauded your support for the original FY2011 proposal for NASA, even when other conservatives shrunk away from their stated principles in favor of promoting parochial interests.

For the majority of my adult life and through all my professional career, I have been agnostic when it comes to religious matters. Even when I considered myself a Christian, I strongly believed that a secular government was necessary to protect the rights of all Americans and uphold the values so eloquently described in our Constitution. My belief has always been that I can only be an example to others through my own actions and temperament. I can no more force you to share my skepticism than you can force me to accept your Catholicism.

That is why I cannot understand why you would make such divisive remarks at a period in our history when we need, more than ever, leaders who will bridge the political divides that have paralyzed this country. I am not your enemy, Mr. Gingrich.

I and those who think like I do – we are not a threat to this country. Many of us who believe in secular government are Christians, too. We all simply want to enjoy the same benefits and protections under the law that you and your family do. We want to be recognized as the loyal, hardworking Americans we are, not scapegoated for political propaganda.

I know you can do better, sir. I’ve seen it in your advocacy for sensible solutions to the problem of global climate change and a sustainable space exploration program. I hope you will show that sensibility in the future and find ways to reach out to Americans like myself, instead of demonizing us.